Summary

As well as a poet respected by some of the greatest English bards of his day, Montgomery was an activist for Christian and humanitarian causes. With his poems and prose, he called for the abolition of the slave trade, the end of child factory labor, and the expansion of Christian ministry abroad. Among his fine hymns, “Angels from the Realms of Glory” remains one of the most well-known. Many rank his “O Spirit of the Living God” among the greatest missionary hymns. It masterfully encapsulates the basic prayer of every Christian missionary whether domestic or abroad: “Give tongues of fire and hearts of love, To preach the reconciling word.”

Kathleen O’BannonCCEL Staff

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Basic information:
James Montgomery (4 November 1771 – 30 April 1854) was a British editor, hymnwriter and poet. He was particularly associated with humanitarian causes such as the campaigns to abolish slavery and to end the exploitation of child chimney sweeps.